Horological Meandering

...for a very good friend of mine. I've known him since he was a little kid. Now he's grown up and runs an asphalt plant. It can be mechanical or quartz. If quartz, solar might be nice. I don't think he needs a ton of water resistance like a dive watch. S... 

Like an old Timex commercial: "Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin:' Lums like a train in a tunnel and if there's one made to be a beater, this is it ;-)

SNE537, SNE535, and SNE533 S ...  

Also agree with luminox above

If you want something that you truly intend to use, the good ol’ DW5600 is the way to go. Tough as nails, and not a massive loss if something manages to kill it.

Tough as nails, and within your budget ...  

G-Shock was always on my list but good to see the ref. numbers. I had not thought about the Seikos but I really like the solar charging. The Casi-Oaks have been posted here before. Can anyone recommend them?

The Tissot PRX is worth considering. We can meet up sometime and I can show you mine. It's got some pluses and minuses.

...it's all dirt, gravel, and tar...lots of dirt. And he's running heavy machines all day... But we should meet for a drink...I know we live in the same general area : )

The digital screens are too small to be useful or legible. If that’s not a problem then it’s a good option though they do feel flimsy next to the Seiko’s

I would recommend them - super light and comfortable. Thin enough to fit under a shirt if he ever wears one - and for that budget you can have a metal and a resin one! If only they had a Tough Solar Casioak! ...  

… if his eyesight is not that great, this becomes a time only watch. Thankfully I can still read the subdials with a squint

Or Seiko Prospex Monster, just because it looks fun and rugged (even if a dive watch is not necessary). Or a Seiko 5, there are so many new iterations of the 5 now. But this Speedtimer looks good, retail is $695. Picture credit : Seiko USA ...  

I sold mine a few years ago for about $450.

Ballwatch known for robustness and tough!